Lion – (Panthera Leo), photograph by Michael Viljoen: The Lion is the largest African carnivore and is found in open plains where there is water, plenty of grazing and in semi-desert conditions such as the Kalahari Desert. Lions can see at night like humans see during the day due to their retina which is lined by a tissue called “Tapetum Lucidum” that reflects back light passing the rod of the retina.

They are the most sociable of the cat family and live in groups consisting of one or two males and up to seven females. The female lion does all the hunting usually at night, late afternoon or early morning. They prey on wildebeest, zebra, waterbuck, kudu, giraffe and buffalo. Breeding occurs all year round, with two to six cubs being born after gestation period of about 110 days.